A Healthy Gut Equals a Healthy Heart and Body | Day 16

A Healthy Gut Equals a Healthy Heart and Body Day 16

WHAT LIVES INSIDE YOU? – CHANGE THE GUT AND YOU CAN CHANGE THE OUTCOME #HEALTHYGUT

At the end of day 15 I was hoping for another night of unbroken sleep as I slept my way into day 16 but almost to the minute at around 4am I woke up, picked up my phone to see what time it was and was met like the world has today of breaking news, the passing of Stephen Hawking.
It would be impossible for me to write anything that hasn’t been said already and many of the people who were close to him either family friends or colleagues will have heaped accolades and tributes all day, as we do in this modern age of social media. I tweeted he was a genius and we have learned so much from him, I hope the world will keep learning from his legacy, maybe an idea would be a Stephen Hawking Day? Not for a holiday but a day where we are all encouraged to take something from his teachings #justathought.
Stephen has now experienced all there is to experience in life and now in death.
Thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time. R.I.P.

Days 15 to 18 are not going to be easy as I must travel on business, so that takes me away from my kitchen and my gadgets which help me make up my smoothies. I know it’s an upfront excuse, however I am in this for the long haul and I don’t expect miracles in short spaces of time, after all it’s taken the thick end of 60 years for me to wreak havoc on my Microbiome, Arteries and Liver. I could be doing with my mentor returning from her Cuban Holiday to guide me through these days that said I can still use many of my products which are conveniently packaged into serving sizes or in capsule format, I will also have her back for the rest of this year where my goal is to totally transform myself from the inside out.

February is known for flower bouquets, boxes of candies and Valentine cards.

Although I love the romanticism of February 14, I appreciate the importance of heart health as much as I do love. That’s why I wish more attention were given to the fact that February is also National Heart Awareness Month. This organ is vital to our life and each heart you see on a card or in a store should help you remember to take care of your own heart.

Do you know the common signs of a heart attack?

Many people are familiar with symptoms of chest or arm discomfort and shortness of breath. Feelings of nausea and stomach discomfort may be less known as possible danger signs. Time is essential in the prevention of permanent damage from a heart attack, so it’s important to be aware of these red flags. Unfortunately, women often ignore these signs. It may be because we attribute them to something else. We are so good at taking care of others that we overlook our own health. Women often experience anxiety, throat and neck discomfort and unusual fatigue or sleep disturbances before an attack. It’s important to note that you need to be seen by a doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

Medication helps prevent a heart attack.

If you have had or are at a high risk for having a heart attack or stroke your doctor may prescribe preventative medication. Baby aspirin is probably the most well-known pill recommended by doctors. What does it do? Aspirin interferes with your body’s ability to clot blood. When you bleed, your blood clots and forms a scab around your wound. This clotting can also affect the blood vessels that go to your heart. If your arteries are narrow and get clogged, it may result in a heart attack. Baby aspirin helps keep your blood flowing rather than clotting, which may prevent an attack. It’s important to know that aspirin is not advised if you are allergic or have a history of bleeding or stomach ulcers.

Studies have shown foods also help prevent heart attacks.

Cayenne pepper is a popular spice used around the world to flavour food. It also helps prevent, as well as stop heart attacks. Many herbalists feel cayenne pepper is the top herb for heart health. It’s a natural blood thinner and balances circulation and blood pressure. A dropper or two of cayenne tincture has been used to stop heart attacks. Even cayenne pepper powder has shown to be helpful in preventing heart attacks. Nattokinase is derived from fermented soy beans (Natto) and has been used to help fight heart disease for hundreds of years. Again, it helps stop your blood from clotting and possibly clogging your arteries. Vitamin D may also help prevent heart disease! It seems that people with low levels of Vitamin D are at risk for heart attacks and studies are going on right now to determine the optimal level of Vitamin D needed for a healthy heart and body.

Do you notice how heart health is related to gut health?

It’s amazing to me that almost, if not everything I research goes back to gut health. New research suggests that gut bugs may influence the severity and risk of a heart attack. It also suggests that probiotics may protect the heart of those undergoing surgery! That’s amazing and shows just how far modern medicine has come in understanding the importance of probiotics and their role not only towards a healthy heart, but healthy body as well. The key to healthy lies in tiny, but powerful, good gut bacteria.

Be proactive-Not Reactive-Be your own warrior!

Don’t wait until you have symptoms of a heart attack to change your lifestyle. Start today by eating cultured/fermented foods for your heart, brain, gut and every other part of your body!